Physical Therapists - 23rd Floor, Brain Innovation Center
About The Position
The Physical Therapist serves as a clinical expert in optimizing patient function and mobility through scientifically validated interventions. The role integrates current research, outcome-driven methods, and patient-centered care to promote recovery and adaptation to physical limitations. The therapist supports Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s vision, mission, and core values by striving for excellence and demonstrating respect and compassion for patients, families, colleagues, and others. The therapist also demonstrates the organization’s core attributes of communication, accountability, flexibility and adaptability, judgment and problem solving, and customer service, alongside its values of hope, compassion, discovery, collaboration, and commitment to excellence. The position involves evaluating patients, delivering and adapting evidence-based rehabilitation programs, establishing functional goals, and educating patients about evaluation findings and treatment plans. The therapist participates in discharge planning, documents care, recommends and coordinates assistive devices, supports physical therapy students, and collaborates on research and the integration of emerging evidence into clinical practice.
Requirements
- Doctoral degree from an accredited school of physical therapy.
- Licensed to practice in the State of Illinois.
- Current CPR or BLS certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross.
- Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, physical therapy treatments, and modalities.
- Understanding of growth and development in infant, child, adolescent, and geriatric patients.
- Interpersonal skills to interact with physicians, patients, and families while providing therapy and exchanging patient progress information.
- Analytical ability to determine priorities and provide input regarding departmental policies, procedures, and clinical best practices.
- Ability to lift 20 to 50 pounds occasionally and/or 10 to 25 pounds frequently to transfer and position patients.
Responsibilities
- Conduct advanced evaluations of neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, and cardiovascular systems using validated assessment tools to inform individualized treatment plans.
- Determine treatment suitability based on evaluation results and deliver interventions aligned with current clinical research and best-practice standards.
- Design and adapt rehabilitation programs based on patient progress, emerging evidence, and functional outcome measures.
- Establish patient-centered functional therapy goals using evidence-based outcome measurement tools.
- Discuss evaluation results, goals, and treatment plans with patients, providing education and support as needed.
- Lead and participate in patient discharge planning, including developing an in-home program when appropriate.
- Document patient evaluations and progress, maintaining compliant records for physician communication, insurance carriers, and regulatory agencies.
- Prescribe and recommend devices to assist patients with physical activities, including wheelchairs, mobility aids, bath equipment, and prosthetic and orthopedic devices; partner with physicians and other providers on DME delivery and fitting.
- Supervise and guide physical therapy students in accordance with academic standards and evidence-based practice.
- Collaborate on research projects and integrate emerging evidence into clinical practice.
- Perform other duties assigned in the best interest of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.
Benefits
- Up to 25 days of paid time off and 6 holidays per year.
- Continuing education and approved CEUs for PT/OT/SLP; 50% reimbursement, up to $1,000, for advanced certifications.
- Tuition reimbursement of up to $5,250 annually.
- Career advancement opportunities in clinical and research specialties and leadership pathways.
- Health, dental, and vision coverage, plus wellness and mental health support.
- Annual merit-based pay reviews and potential differential pay for evening or weekend shifts.
- Eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
